Last week I had planned to attend a conference hosted by Microsoft, but had to change my plans at the last minute. One of the benefits of being the most powerful software company in the world is that you can book some high-end talent for your meetings. In this case the social event at the conference was a concert by Lyle Lovett, the individual who represents the largest percentage of songs on my iPod. One of the women who works with me attended and said it was a wonderful time, even though she's not a big fan - small theater (500 seats), his medium-sized band (as opposed to the large band), and a great set. As a consolation prize, she got me an autographed CD, which I will treasure.

I've been using prescription toothpaste with a near-lethal dosage of fluoride for some time and have gotten used to the flat taste, lack of bubbles in my mouth and the $10/tube price tag. The dentist has now prescribed the turbo version (Prevident 5000 BOOSTER), which is, of course, 50% more expensive than its cousin. It does, however, produce far more froth and foam, which is way superior to the previous version. I also use the Colgate Senstive toothbrush which, according to their web site, "meets the needs of aggressive brushers". That would be me - wearing away tooth enamel every day. That toothbrush has disappeared from drugstore.com and my local CVS and I can't even find it on eBay. My small stash that the dentist gave me is dwindling and I can't bear the thought of going back to the gum-rending "soft" brushes made by other companies.

Rebecca's first day back at school since the suspension yielded no fights. We can be thankful for small favors and one-day-at-a-time recovery from our violent urges.